| Title | Benevolence |
|---|---|
| Text | Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary English Etymology benevolence late 14c., "disposition to do good," from L. benevolentia "good feeling, good will, kindness," from bene "well" (see bene-) + volantem (nom. volens) prp. of velle "to wish" (see will (v.)). In Eng. history, this was the name given to forced extra-legal loans or contributions to the crown, first so called 1473 by Edward IV, who cynically "asked" it as a token of good will toward his rule. Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged be·nev·o·lence \bə̇ˈnevələn(t)s\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Latin benevolentia, from benevolent-, benevolens + -ia 1. : benevolent feeling : kindly disposition to do good and promote the welfare of others : goodwill < we shook hands and I again glowed with benevolence to my fellow men — Richard Aldington > 2. archaic : personal regard or affection < his dislike of application and control prevented his acquiring the benevolence of his superiors — James Mill > 3. : an expression of benevolence: a. : an act of kindness b. : a generous gift 4. : a compulsory contribution or tax formerly levied by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative |
Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.
Next card: Benevolent a marked adjective good noun from be·nev·o·lent
Previous card: Benefit verb of benefit bene a money benefit.
Up to card list: English learning